Rapper Badshah with his latest release ‘Tateeree’ has landed in hot water. The song ignited outrage over its lyrics and visuals especially from the Haryana community.
On Saturday, Badshah took to Instagram to directly address the uproar. In a video, he acknowledged that the song had hurt many, particularly his fellow Haryanvis.
“My new song Tateeree has been released, and I see that the message conveyed by a part of the song and its visual representation has hurt many people, especially the people of my Haryana, and their sentiments,” he said.
He didn’t stop there. The rapper emphasised his deep roots in the state. “First of all, I want to say that I myself am from Haryana. Those who know me know that my language, food habits, lifestyle, my identity is from Haryana. I am a very proud Haryanvi,” he added.
Artistic intentions or missteps?
Badshah attempted to clarify his creative choices. “I never intended to say such nonsense about any child or any woman from Haryana. I come from the hip-hop genre, where songs often demean the competition. This was never about any woman or child. Nor will I ever do that,” he explained. He stressed that his goal has always been to take Haryana’s culture and dialect to a global stage.
Also Read: Haryana Women’s Commission questions how ‘Tateeree’ lyrics passed censor clearance, summons Badshah
Despite the explanation, the visuals of ‘Tateeree’, which featured girls in school uniforms and a school-like setting, provoked severe criticism. Many viewers interpreted the imagery as offensive and bordering on obscene.
Recognising the intensity of the backlash, Badshah offered a full apology. “If I have hurt anyone by this, I wholeheartedly apologise to you all. I hope that you will forgive me, considering me a son of Haryana, your own son,” he said.
Alongside the apology, the rapper confirmed he removed the song from all digital platforms. His Instagram caption read, “The song is being taken off from everywhere.”
FIR and legal action
The uproar wasn’t just online chatter. A formal complaint was lodged at Cyber Crime Police Station in Panchkula, Haryana by Abhay Chaudhary. Complainant argued that lyrics and video went too far, potentially sending harmful message to young audiences.
Following the complaint, police have registered an FIR and initiated investigation under relevant Indian law sections.